The Morning Dish – Thursday, May 5th
Pair of Georgia Players to Make NBA Announcements: Junior point guard Jarrett Jack of Georgia Tech and Georgia recruit Louis Williams will announce their decisions within the next 24 hours to play in college or go to the NBA. Jack will almost definitely enter the draft without hiring an agent, allowing him to return to school if scouts give him negative feedback. Meanwhile, Williams is a talented but undersized shooting guard who also will likely enter the draft. He may not be a first-round draft pick, which would encourage him to attend the Bulldogs for a season or two. Jack averaged 15.5 points per game for Georgia Tech last season. His biggest drawback is a perception that he is slower than other point guards, including North Carolina’s Raymond Felton, Wake Forest’s Chris Paul, and Illinois’ Deron Williams.
Centenary Forward Dies Mysteriously: Centenary forward Chad Maclies died suddenly in his dorm room Wednesday. Police said Maclies had been talking to his girlfriend online when he stopped. Sources said Maclies had no health concerns because he did not drink alcohol, consume drugs or use steroids and was health-conscious. Maclies led Centenary last season with 18.0 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.
Marquette Goes Gold: After researching for several months, Marquette officials decided to officially change the school’s nickname from Golden Eagles to the Gold. School officials contacted thousands of students, alumni, faculty and staff while researching possibilities for a new name. One popular suggestion was to return to the Warriors, the school’s nickname from 1954-1993. Instead, they opted to follow the sappy trend set by Syracuse to adopt the abstract personality of a color. What could evoke more fear than the specter of facing the ferocity of the gruesome Gold?
Holy Cross Coach Starts Battle with Cancer: Holy Cross coach Ralph Willard has prostate cancer, but he plans to be on the sidelines leading the Crusaders next season. Willard is talking to doctors to determine the best course of action to beat the cancer. On the sidelines, Willard is a proven winner at Holy Cross with a 114-68 record in five seasons. He also has coached at Pittsburgh and Western Kentucky.
Judge Gets Serious with Pierce: Former Iowa guard Pierre Pierce has major restrictions as part of an ongoing trial based on charges that he choked his former girlfriend, threatened her with a knife, stripped her and stole a laptop and camera. A judge ruled that Pierce must be monitored electronically and has a curfew. Pierce cannot enter Des Moines, West Des Moines or Polk County without permission. The trial will begin Aug. 16.
